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Library honors Billy Joel with US pop music prize

The Associated Press

Posted:
07/22/2014 04:59:20 AM MDT

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FILE - In this May 9, 2014 file photo, Billy Joel performs at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Library of Congress on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 said Joel, whose hits include "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," will receive its Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Library of Congress is honoring Billy Joel with its Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Librarian James Billington said Tuesday the singer-songwriter, whose hits include "Piano Man" and "Uptown Girl," will receive the prize in Washington in November.

The Gershwin Prize honors a living artist's lifetime achievement in music. Previous recipients include Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, the songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, and Carole King.

Joel is among the world's most popular recording artists. He has said his piano-driven compositions spring from personal experiences, and that he strives to write songs that capture and transcend those moments.

With a career spanning 50 years in the entertainment industry, Joel is the sixth top-selling artist of all time.

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